An energy source was found for dividing cancer cells
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Scientists have found that cancer cells have a processing system to generate energy, which they use in further fission. The researchers used genetic manipulation to turn off this system in the cell walls, stopping tumor growth and developing metastases. The results were published in the online edition of Science Translational Medicine.
Scientists knew that cancer cells require a lot of energy in the form of glucose to constantly maintain abnormally rapid growth. But it was not clear how the cancer cells met these energy needs. Research has shown that cancer cells grow because of the acceleration of the autophagy process that occurs in the cell compartments called lysosomes.
During autophagy, which literally means "self-eating", lysosomes digest worn proteins and other damaged cellular components. "But the lysosomes are not just garbage containers," said study author Ana Maria Cuervo, "They are more like small recycling plants in which cell decay products are converted into energy." Cancer cells seem to have learned to optimize this system for energy, which is necessary for their growth. "
Dr. Cuervo and her colleagues found an unusually high level of autophagy in the cells of 40 types of human tumors. In healthy cells surrounding the tumor, a similar process was not observed.
"When we used genetic manipulation to block the activities of this processing, the cancer cells stopped sharing, and most of them died," Cuervo said.
Researchers believe that selective blocking of autophagy in cancer cells may be a promising strategy for the destruction of tumors and the stopping of metastases. In future research, scientists hope to develop drugs that will mimic what scientists have done with genetic manipulation.
[